Health IT Enabled QI

Health Center adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and the broader domain of Health Information Technology (Health IT), has increased dramatically in recent years. Based on data reported through the Uniform Data Set (UDS), upwards of 95% of health centers have implemented an EHR system at their site. New technology has made it easier to collect and analyze data, measure against performance benchmarks, and demonstrate improved outcomes using evidence based strategies.

Many challenges have been identified including provider workflow concerns, system access and mapping issues, challenges with scalability, and limitations to data that can be extracted from various EHR and HIT systems, as well as questions around where to start and how to make best use of the limited resources available to maximize improvements.

In addition to helping us understand and improve the health of our populations, EHR technology may be used to fulfill reporting requirements, enter performance incentive arrangements with payers, and drive smarter spending. However, we know that the proliferation of EHRs and their companion reports have not always lead to accurate and robust data that can be used for quality improvement. In response, a need has been identified for tools and resources that can guide health centers and their partners through some key skill areas, as outlined below.

Acknowledgements

This resource collection was cultivated and developed by the HITEQ team with valuable contributions from Chris Espersen, Espersen & Associates and Past President of Midwest Clinicians Network, Dan Tutuer, former head of Colorado's HCCN, and Dr. Jerome Osheroff, TMIT Consulting, LLC, as well as HITEQ's Advisory Committee and many health centers who have graciously shared their experiences with HITEQ.

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A Conceptual Framework

Improving the U.S. health care system requires four aims: improving the experience of care, improving the health of populations, reducing per capita costs and improving care team well-being. HITEQ Center resources seek to provide content and direction aligned with the goals of the Quadruple Aim